5 big bills you can cut fast

3. Banking and credit

The most recent Bankrate survey of the 10 largest banks and thrifts in 25 of the largest markets found that banking fees -- from ATM surcharges, overdraft fees and account charges -- are all increasing.

Don't just take these fees and rate hikes lying down. For example, if your lender hikes your credit card rate, call to have it lowered. You've got a 50-50 chance of getting resolution, according to a consumer study by U.S. Public Interest Research Groups, or U.S. PIRG.

"Credit card companies will routinely raise your rates to see if they can get away with it, so you have to be vigilant," says Ed Mierzwinski, consumer program director at U.S. PIRG.

When it comes to some fees, you may be your own worst enemy. For example, spend more than your credit limit these days and you'll be allowed to shop if you authorize the credit card company to allow it. The catch: You'll owe an over-limit fee.

Read the fine print. Pay attention to requirements that could wind up costing a bundle. A free checking account may sound appealing, but is there a minimum balance requirement? If you can't meet it, you may wind up paying fees that make that free deal pricier than you thought.

Watch out for ATMs. Whenever possible, pull cash out of your ATM in larger amounts to reduce repeat visits to the machine. According to Bankrate's 2014 survey of ATM fees, the average ATM fee for nonaccount holders was $2.77. However, some banks charge more. Tack on the foreign-use penalty your own bank levies when you use a competitor's ATM and you could well be spending nearly $5, or 25 percent of that $20 you grabbed on the go.

Chuck the debit card. Putting away the debit card lowers the odds of triggering courtesy overdraft protection fees. They kick in when you use a debit card and make purchases that exceed your account balance. Overdraft fees now average $32.74 per transaction, according to the latest Bankrate checking study.

Pay on time; beware of default rates. Miss a payment deadline and chances are you'll wind up paying hefty fines. In fact, if you're late on one bill with any creditor, your other creditors can legally use that tardy track record to jack up the interest rate they charge you. When you get bills, mark their due date on a calendar or set up automatic payments so you don't miss deadlines.

Scrutinize statements. More than two-thirds of lenders, 77 percent, say they can change rates "at any time for any reason," according to Consumer Action. So even if you pay on time each month and think you're an ideal customer, study your statement and look at the fees, your interest and other unexpected changes that can cost a bundle.

Bankrate wants to hear from you and encourages thoughtful and constructive comments. We ask that you stay focused on the story topic, respect other people's opinions, and avoid profanity, offensive statements, illegal contents and advertisement posts. Comments are not reviewed before they are posted. Bankrate reserves the right (but is not obligated) to edit or delete your comments. Please avoid posting private or confidential information, and also keep in mind that anything you post may be disclosed, published, transmitted or reused. We do not permit the inclusion of hyperlinks in comments and may remove any comment that includes a hyperlink.

Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. Bankrate may be compensated in exchange for featured placement of certain sponsored products and services, or your clicking on certain links posted on this website.